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Immature doublecortin-positive hippocampal neurons are important for learning but not for remembering.


ABSTRACT: It is now widely accepted that hippocampal neurogenesis underpins critical cognitive functions, such as learning and memory. To assess the behavioral importance of adult-born neurons, we developed a novel knock-in mouse model that allowed us to specifically and reversibly ablate hippocampal neurons at an immature stage. In these mice, the diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) is expressed under control of the doublecortin (DCX) promoter, which allows for specific ablation of immature DCX-expressing neurons after administration of diphtheria toxin while leaving the neural precursor pool intact. Using a spatially challenging behavioral test (a modified version of the active place avoidance test), we present direct evidence that immature DCX-expressing neurons are required for successful acquisition of spatial learning, as well as reversal learning, but are not necessary for the retrieval of stored long-term memories. Importantly, the observed learning deficits were rescued as newly generated immature neurons repopulated the granule cell layer upon termination of the toxin treatment. Repeat (or cyclic) depletion of immature neurons reinstated behavioral deficits if the mice were challenged with a novel task. Together, these findings highlight the potential of stimulating neurogenesis as a means to enhance learning.

SUBMITTER: Vukovic J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6619068 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Immature doublecortin-positive hippocampal neurons are important for learning but not for remembering.

Vukovic Jana J   Borlikova Gilyana G GG   Ruitenberg Marc J MJ   Robinson Gregory J GJ   Sullivan Robert K P RK   Walker Tara L TL   Bartlett Perry F PF  

The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience 20130401 15


It is now widely accepted that hippocampal neurogenesis underpins critical cognitive functions, such as learning and memory. To assess the behavioral importance of adult-born neurons, we developed a novel knock-in mouse model that allowed us to specifically and reversibly ablate hippocampal neurons at an immature stage. In these mice, the diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) is expressed under control of the doublecortin (DCX) promoter, which allows for specific ablation of immature DCX-expressing ne  ...[more]

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